Woolwich Township Committee adopts consent agenda, approves emergency payment resolution and holds closed session on police contract

The Woolwich Township Committee on Jan. 5 unanimously adopted a five-item consent agenda, approved a separate resolution allowing the township to make emergency payments that could prevent financial harm, and entered a closed session to discuss the Police Administration PBA contract, returning to open session with no action taken.

Mayor Matthias called the meeting to order at approximately 6:32 p.m. and confirmed all five committee members were present. The committee opened and closed two public-comment periods with no speakers.

Why it matters: the emergency-payment resolution gives municipal financial officers limited authority to pay bills that could otherwise cause immediate harm to township operations—examples cited by the mayor included utilities that might be shut off. The closed session concerned the township's police administration PBA contract; no action followed the executive session.

What the consent agenda included: the committee approved the release of performance surety Bond #SU1197875 for site improvements related to Somerset Woolwich Urban Renewal, LLC (Shoprite of Center Square Plaza, Phase I); designated a risk management consultant for the Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland Counties Municipal Joint Insurance Fund; authorized a street opening permit for 101 Balsam Road; authorized Payment No. 8 to Wyndham Construction LLC for Locke Avenue Park Development — Phase I; and authorized the tax collector to transfer or refund overpayments resulting from County Tax Board judgments.

On R-2026-44 (emergency payments), Mayor Matthias said the resolution originated with the township CFO and is standard practice in other municipalities; the measure is intended for sparing, emergent use to prevent harm. The committee adopted R-2026-44 (motion by Committeewoman Williams; second by Deputy Mayor Nocentino) by unanimous roll call.

On executive session: the committee voted to enter closed session under Resolution R-2026-45 to discuss contractual matters related to the Police Administration PBA contract (motion by Deputy Mayor Nocentino; second by Committeewoman Williams). The committee entered closed session at approximately 6:40 p.m. and resumed regular session at approximately 7:16 p.m.; the minutes note that no action was taken after the executive session.

Votes at a glance: - R-2026-39 (release of performance surety bond #SU1197875): adopted as part of the consent agenda (final adoption motion by Committeewoman Williams; second by Deputy Mayor Nocentino). Vote: Frederick — Yes; Minhas — Yes; Williams — Yes; Nocentino — Yes; Matthias — Yes. - R-2026-40 (risk management consultant — Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland Counties MJIF): adopted as part of the consent agenda. Same unanimous vote. - R-2026-41 (street opening permit — 101 Balsam Road): adopted as part of the consent agenda. Same unanimous vote. - R-2026-42 (Payment No. 8 to Wyndham Construction LLC for Locke Avenue Park Development — Phase I): adopted as part of the consent agenda. Same unanimous vote. - R-2026-43 (authorize tax collector to transfer/refund overpayments due to County Tax Board judgments): adopted as part of the consent agenda. Same unanimous vote. - R-2026-44 (authorize payment upon presentation to prevent financial harm): adopted (motion by Williams; second by Nocentino). Vote: unanimous. - R-2026-45 (authorize closed session for Police Administration PBA contract): approved to enter closed session (motion by Nocentino; second by Williams). No formal votes or actions followed the closed session.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:16 p.m. Clerk Jessica Mignogna noted that the minutes are not verbatim and that a video recording is on file. The committee's next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.